Oman Explores Hosting Russia’s ‘Russian Seasons’ Cultural Programme
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Oman is actively engaged in discussions with Russia to potentially host the renowned international cultural programme, ‘Russian Seasons,’ as part of an ambitious cultural diplomacy initiative between the two nations.
On Sunday, H E Salem bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, met with Olga Borisovna Lyubimova, Russian Minister of Culture, to deliberate on the prospect of Oman hosting the esteemed ‘Russian Seasons.’ The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral ties in the realms of tourism, culture, and heritage, building on existing collaborations and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
The ‘Russian Seasons’ initiative is a comprehensive cultural programme aimed at showcasing the richness of Russian culture globally. It encompasses diverse cultural presentations, including theatre performances, orchestral concerts, museum exhibitions, circus shows, and educational activities. The initiative has successfully toured various countries, including Japan, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and Belgium, among others.
The discussions between the ministers reflect the growing interest in cultural exchange between Oman and Russia. The meeting explored the potential for Oman to join the list of esteemed countries that have hosted the ‘Russian Seasons,’ bringing a taste of Russian traditions and artistic talent to Omani audiences.
The cultural collaboration comes in the aftermath of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Muscat in July 2023, during which he expressed keen interest in showcasing Russian artistic prowess in Oman through tours and exhibitions featuring artifacts from Russia’s prestigious museums.
In addition to the cultural partnership, the ministers discussed strategies to enhance Oman’s tourism visibility in Russia. Initiatives include the establishment of a tourism representative office, fostering investment, and promoting capacity-building cooperation. The envisioned joint executive programme aims to facilitate broader collaboration through events and meetings involving the private sector, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
As Oman and Russia explore new avenues for cultural and tourism cooperation, the discussions reflect a shared commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties and enrich the cultural landscape of both nations. The potential hosting of ‘Russian Seasons’ in Oman would mark a significant milestone in fostering cultural appreciation and understanding between the two countries.
